Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Speaking Exam
Master the FCE Speaking Test with AI-Powered Practice
Exam Format
Part 1: Interview
2 minutes
Answer personal questions about yourself, your interests, and experiences
Sample Topics:
- • Daily routines
- • Hobbies & interests
- • Future plans
Part 2: Long Turn
4 minutes
Compare two photographs and answer related questions
Key Skills:
- • Comparing
- • Speculating
- • Expressing opinions
Part 3: Collaborative Task
3 minutes
Discuss options with a partner and reach a decision together
Interactive Skills:
- • Negotiating
- • Turn-taking
- • Reaching agreement
Part 4: Discussion
4 minutes
Discuss topics related to Part 3 in more depth
Discussion Skills:
- • Expressing views
- • Justifying opinions
- • Abstract thinking
Scoring Criteria
Assessment Scales
You are assessed on five key areas
Grammar & Vocabulary
Range and accuracy of language use
Discourse Management
Coherence, relevance, and extent
Pronunciation
Individual sounds, stress, and intonation
Interactive Communication
Initiating, responding, and turn-taking
Global Achievement
Overall effectiveness in handling tasks
Grade Boundaries
Cambridge English Scale scores
Grade A (180-190)
C1 level achieved
Grade B (173-179)
Good pass
Grade C (160-172)
Pass at B2 level
Below 160
B1 certificate
Sample Questions & Topics
Interview Questions
Personal questions about yourself (2 minutes)
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Tell me about your hometown or neighbourhood.
What are your plans for the future?
How important is technology in your daily life?
What kind of music do you like listening to?
Common Mistakes
Speaking too briefly
Expand your answers with examples and explanations
Not listening to your partner
Active listening is crucial for Part 3 collaboration
Using memorised speeches
Sound natural and respond directly to questions
Ignoring the second question in Part 2
Remember to answer both parts of the photo task
Dominating the collaborative task
Balance speaking time with your partner
Universities Accepting FCE
University of Cambridge
UK
University of Sydney
Australia
University of Toronto
Canada
Trinity College Dublin
Ireland
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
FCE vs IELTS
| Aspect | FCE (B2 First) | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paired (with another candidate) | Individual interview |
| Duration | 14 minutes total | 11-14 minutes |
| Parts | 4 parts | 3 parts |
| Scoring | Cambridge Scale 140-190 | Band Score 0-9 |
| Equivalent Level | B2 (160-179) | Band 5.5-6.5 |
| Validity | No expiry | 2 years (typically) |
| Photo Task | Yes (Part 2) | No |
| Collaboration | Yes (Part 3) | No |
Preparation Tips
Fluency & Coherence
- • Practice speaking for 1-2 minutes continuously
- • Use linking words naturally
- • Develop ideas with examples
- • Avoid long pauses - use fillers appropriately
Vocabulary Range
- • Learn topic-specific vocabulary
- • Use synonyms to avoid repetition
- • Include phrasal verbs and idioms
- • Practice paraphrasing skills
Interactive Skills
- • Practice with a study partner
- • Learn turn-taking phrases
- • Show active listening
- • Build on partner's ideas
What examiners look for in B2 First Speaking
You’re assessed on Grammar & Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, Interactive Communication and Global Achievement. Marks increase when you extend ideas, use linking phrases, keep pronunciation clear, and collaborate effectively with your partner (turn‑taking, building on ideas).
Practise short daily sets: Part 2 photo comparison (compare, speculate, opinion), Part 3 collaboration (negotiate, agree), and Part 4 discussion (justify views). Our AI highlights quick gains like paraphrasing and expanding answers.
Related practice
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is FCE different from PET and CAE?
FCE (B2 First) is intermediate between PET (B1 Preliminary) and CAE (C1 Advanced). It requires upper-intermediate English, while PET is for intermediate learners and CAE is for advanced users approaching native-level proficiency.
Can I retake just the speaking component?
No, you must retake the entire FCE exam. However, your speaking score contributes 20% to your overall result, so strong performance in other papers can compensate for a weaker speaking score.
What if my partner's English is much better/worse?
You're assessed individually, not as a pair. Examiners are trained to evaluate each candidate separately. Focus on your own performance and interact naturally regardless of your partner's level.
How soon will I get my results?
Results are typically available online 2-3 weeks after the test for computer-based exams, or 4-6 weeks for paper-based exams. You'll receive a Statement of Results with your scores for each paper.